First Oregon Trip -- 12 nights/11 days
Aug 13th, 2015, 04:22 PM
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First Oregon Trip -- 12 nights/11 days
My wife and I are going to be traveling to Oregon next month for the first time (we have been to the California Coast and to Washington State on prior trips) and I am trying to nail down the details of the trip. We are in our early 50s and reasonably active. Relaxing, sightseeing, including some light hikes and some photography will be the focus. Note that while we appreciate the beauty of the coast and enjoy the small towns and shops, we are really not the type to hang out at the beach for its own sake, other than to maybe take a brief stroll.
This is my tentative schedule so far. I would love any additional suggestions and thoughts on the itinerary. I'm not sure if I am trying to do too much and perhaps should cut something out and stay longer in the other places.
Day 1 Portland (arriving the night before with no time to do anything) - . Saturday Market, Powell's books, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, Maybe Chinese Garden. Stay in or around Portland.
Day 2 -- Head to Columbia River Gorge via Columbia River Highway. Stop at various falls, including Multnomah Falls, Women's Forum. A couple of hikes, Bonneville Dam. Stay in Hood River.
Day 3 and 4-- Drive to Bend. Smith Rock State Park, Timberline Lodge. Overnight Bend for 2 nights. Visit Sisters, High Desert Museum, easy hikes.
Day 5 and 6 Crater Lake and Ashland staying in Medford for 2 nights (if weather isn't good on the way down, will go to Ashland on Day 5 and backtrack to Crater Lake on Day 6)
Day 7-8 -- Drive to Newport or Yachats (probably Newport) via Grants Pass, Eugene and Florence. Stay in Newport for 2 nights. Visit Aquarium, downtown, Haceta Head Lighthouse (on way from Medford)
Day 9 -- to Cannon Beach for 1 night. Haystack Rock, Ecola State Park.
Day 10 and 11 (Need to allocate time). Back to Portland and visit Mt St Helens one day? Add an additional day to one of the other locations (Hood River? Bend? Newport) and back to Portland for the last day/night?
Thank you.
This is my tentative schedule so far. I would love any additional suggestions and thoughts on the itinerary. I'm not sure if I am trying to do too much and perhaps should cut something out and stay longer in the other places.
Day 1 Portland (arriving the night before with no time to do anything) - . Saturday Market, Powell's books, Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, Maybe Chinese Garden. Stay in or around Portland.
Day 2 -- Head to Columbia River Gorge via Columbia River Highway. Stop at various falls, including Multnomah Falls, Women's Forum. A couple of hikes, Bonneville Dam. Stay in Hood River.
Day 3 and 4-- Drive to Bend. Smith Rock State Park, Timberline Lodge. Overnight Bend for 2 nights. Visit Sisters, High Desert Museum, easy hikes.
Day 5 and 6 Crater Lake and Ashland staying in Medford for 2 nights (if weather isn't good on the way down, will go to Ashland on Day 5 and backtrack to Crater Lake on Day 6)
Day 7-8 -- Drive to Newport or Yachats (probably Newport) via Grants Pass, Eugene and Florence. Stay in Newport for 2 nights. Visit Aquarium, downtown, Haceta Head Lighthouse (on way from Medford)
Day 9 -- to Cannon Beach for 1 night. Haystack Rock, Ecola State Park.
Day 10 and 11 (Need to allocate time). Back to Portland and visit Mt St Helens one day? Add an additional day to one of the other locations (Hood River? Bend? Newport) and back to Portland for the last day/night?
Thank you.
Aug 13th, 2015, 05:02 PM
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I'd stay in Ashland instead of Medford. It's cute and walkable.
Maybe a day in Pendleton or Baker City? Both are interesting if you like the western feel.
You could add those extra days anywhere, but I'd probably add it to Cannon Beach. Or one more day in Hood River- whichever would appeal to you more. If you feel good about the existing itinerary, then go back to Portland for two nights- I love Portland, and your one day there is pretty packed. Saturday Market and Powells would just be one day for me, though!
Maybe a day in Pendleton or Baker City? Both are interesting if you like the western feel.
You could add those extra days anywhere, but I'd probably add it to Cannon Beach. Or one more day in Hood River- whichever would appeal to you more. If you feel good about the existing itinerary, then go back to Portland for two nights- I love Portland, and your one day there is pretty packed. Saturday Market and Powells would just be one day for me, though!
Aug 13th, 2015, 05:23 PM
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Overall it looks pretty good. It is a fast pace, but if that doesn't bother you, then no worries. Definitely stay in downtown on the evening you arrive and for day 1. It will allow you to start right in on seeing the sights and it has the best atmosphere if you really want to see Portland.
I would add a night to the gorge since you are into hiking and photography. Bend is great for that too, but you already have 2 nights there, so should be ok.
Mt St Helens is a must see, IMO. From Portland, you go an hour north and then once on 504, it is another 50 miles up to Johnston Ridge Observatory, which is the grandaddy of the visitors centers. Do not miss the short film here!
If you do not having lodging secured for Cannon Beach yet, do that ASAP. Most places have a 2-3 night minimum in the summer, but do not rely on websites for current info on availability. Call as you can often times squeeze in between other peoples reservations.
Like I said, it is a somewhat fast pace, but definitely doable. Enjoy!
I would add a night to the gorge since you are into hiking and photography. Bend is great for that too, but you already have 2 nights there, so should be ok.
Mt St Helens is a must see, IMO. From Portland, you go an hour north and then once on 504, it is another 50 miles up to Johnston Ridge Observatory, which is the grandaddy of the visitors centers. Do not miss the short film here!
If you do not having lodging secured for Cannon Beach yet, do that ASAP. Most places have a 2-3 night minimum in the summer, but do not rely on websites for current info on availability. Call as you can often times squeeze in between other peoples reservations.
Like I said, it is a somewhat fast pace, but definitely doable. Enjoy!
Aug 13th, 2015, 05:34 PM
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Mm true. Never think about that as I have so much family in that area. But it is unlikely that the OP will be there come round up time- and if so, there are always possibilities near Pendleton. (But OP, if rodeo and Oregon trail stuff isn't your thing, I'd say skip northeast Oregon. You'll get enough of high desert in Bend).
Aug 13th, 2015, 05:47 PM
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Thank you marvelousmouse and mms. Pendleton sounds like fun, but that would take us a little far east and add more driving than I think I would want to do this time. I could do it, but would have to eliminate something else, I think.
mms, to be honest it is a little more faster paced than I would really like. I was thinking about adding an extra day on to Hood River and a third night on to Bend or Newport and eliminating either Ashland or Cannon Beach, just so I don't have to change hotels quite so much. I'll have to play around with it a bit.
mms, to be honest it is a little more faster paced than I would really like. I was thinking about adding an extra day on to Hood River and a third night on to Bend or Newport and eliminating either Ashland or Cannon Beach, just so I don't have to change hotels quite so much. I'll have to play around with it a bit.
Aug 13th, 2015, 06:07 PM
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I'd eliminate Newport over Cannon Beach but It definitely depends on your interests, and I'm more of a history buff than into photography. Newport is also more typical beach town while CB is more quaint village. Be sure to check out Devils punch bowl- my favorite place in Newport next to the lighthouse!
If that's too fast paced for you, I'd definitely cut one of the beach towns and add one day to bend and one day to Portland. I think it'll feel a lot less rushed that way
If that's too fast paced for you, I'd definitely cut one of the beach towns and add one day to bend and one day to Portland. I think it'll feel a lot less rushed that way
Aug 13th, 2015, 06:40 PM
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marvelousmouse--We got a late start one year when we headed over to the Wallowa's for a backpacking trip and so needed a room in Pendleton, and this was days before the rodeo began. We lucked out and got a room that someone was a no-show for, but we know how lucky we were.
trips4fun--It is fast paced, but not too much so. But then again I like to travel at that pace, so it wouldn't bother me. Newport is nice, but as mentioned, CB has more charm. Plus with Haystack Rock and Ecola State Park, you can spend a lot of time there. CB is very compact, so you can easily walk all over (except to Ecola State Park), where Newport is more spread out so you will be driving from sight to sight. So it just depends on what you are looking for.
trips4fun--It is fast paced, but not too much so. But then again I like to travel at that pace, so it wouldn't bother me. Newport is nice, but as mentioned, CB has more charm. Plus with Haystack Rock and Ecola State Park, you can spend a lot of time there. CB is very compact, so you can easily walk all over (except to Ecola State Park), where Newport is more spread out so you will be driving from sight to sight. So it just depends on what you are looking for.
Aug 13th, 2015, 06:48 PM
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Multnomah falls is a great hike, beautiful area and there are many other hikes and falls nearby. There was a small restaurant at the bottom of the falls. We had a nice meal and glass of wine after hiking up. Loved our short time in Portland and would love to go back to that part of the country.
Aug 14th, 2015, 04:46 AM
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My thanks to everyone for all of the feedback. It seems I am in the right ballpark and maybe just need to consider a little fine-tuning. The one problem I am facing is that eliminating a stay in one place causes a problem in another. For example, if I decide not to go to Ashland and stay an extra night in Bend, then I have to do a day trip to Crater Lake from Bend. But perhaps that is doable and preferable to checking in and out of yet another hotel.
Simillarly, if I eliminate Newport, I lose a stop over point up the coast. I could, however, head back to Portland after Newport and do a day trip to Cannon Beach rather than staying there.
It's actually not the pace that bothers me quite as much as the re-packing and checking in and out of lodging, which both takes additional time and means that I will be carrying my bags around with me all day as I go on to the next location. It can't be avoided on a trip like this, but if I can minimize it, that's always helpful.
Simillarly, if I eliminate Newport, I lose a stop over point up the coast. I could, however, head back to Portland after Newport and do a day trip to Cannon Beach rather than staying there.
It's actually not the pace that bothers me quite as much as the re-packing and checking in and out of lodging, which both takes additional time and means that I will be carrying my bags around with me all day as I go on to the next location. It can't be avoided on a trip like this, but if I can minimize it, that's always helpful.
Aug 14th, 2015, 05:42 AM
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Yes, you are on the right track Crater Lake Lodge fills up a year in advance, so if you don't already have reservations you would need to hope for a cancellation. That said, it is an easy day trip from Bend as it is only 2 hours away. We have done that numerous times.
If you stay in Newport and eliminate the overnight in Cannon Beach and do just a day trip there, again, that is entirely doable and something we do all the time. Cannon Beach is only 90 minutes from Portland, so very easy to head out in the morning and come back in the evening, and feel that you were not short changing it.
Crater Lake Lodge fills up a year in advance, so if you don't already have reservations you would need to hope for a cancellation. That said, it is an easy day trip from Bend as it is only 2 hours away. We have done that numerous times.If you stay in Newport and eliminate the overnight in Cannon Beach and do just a day trip there, again, that is entirely doable and something we do all the time. Cannon Beach is only 90 minutes from Portland, so very easy to head out in the morning and come back in the evening, and feel that you were not short changing it.
Aug 14th, 2015, 07:41 AM
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We did a virtually identical itinerary last year at the same time of year. What a great trip!
You can do Pendleton Roundup in a day trip from Hood River. You will not regret it!
Our favorite hotels from our trip:
1. Columbia River Gorge hotel at Hood River
2. Peerless Hotel in Ashland
3. Tu Tu Tun Lodge at Gold Beach on the coast
Favorite eating / drinking placces:
1. Standing Stone Brewery & Pub, Ashland
2. Ava Gene's, Portland
3. Double Mountain Brewery & Pub, Hood River
Favorite activities:
1. Upper Klamath River rafting trip (1-day), Momentum Rafting
2. Crater Lake boat excursion (do not miss this!)
3. Hike around Todd Lake, Bend
4. Rogue River Jet Boat excursion, Gold Beach
Enjoy!!
You can do Pendleton Roundup in a day trip from Hood River. You will not regret it!
Our favorite hotels from our trip:
1. Columbia River Gorge hotel at Hood River
2. Peerless Hotel in Ashland
3. Tu Tu Tun Lodge at Gold Beach on the coast
Favorite eating / drinking placces:
1. Standing Stone Brewery & Pub, Ashland
2. Ava Gene's, Portland
3. Double Mountain Brewery & Pub, Hood River
Favorite activities:
1. Upper Klamath River rafting trip (1-day), Momentum Rafting
2. Crater Lake boat excursion (do not miss this!)
3. Hike around Todd Lake, Bend
4. Rogue River Jet Boat excursion, Gold Beach
Enjoy!!
Aug 14th, 2015, 10:13 AM
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More thanks . I'm now thinking after my first day in Portland of perhaps 2 nights in Hood River, 3 nights in Bend (including a day trip to Crater Lake), 3 nights in Newport and 2 more nights in/around Portland. That would be 5 hotels instead of 7.
Questions: (1) I know Ashland Is nice, but is it that different from other little towns that I would really be missing out if I don't drive out there? (2) is 3 nights in Newport too much?; and (3) any suggestions for locations around Portland that are convenient to the city, but in a more quiet and perhaps scenic location?
We enjoy the things that the cities have to offer, but I work in the city and would prefer to sleep somewhere a little less chaotic. Also, I would probably use wherever we stay as a jumping off point for Cannon Beach, Mt St Helens or possibly both, depending on how many days we have after leaving the coast.
. I'm now thinking after my first day in Portland of perhaps 2 nights in Hood River, 3 nights in Bend (including a day trip to Crater Lake), 3 nights in Newport and 2 more nights in/around Portland. That would be 5 hotels instead of 7.Questions: (1) I know Ashland Is nice, but is it that different from other little towns that I would really be missing out if I don't drive out there? (2) is 3 nights in Newport too much?; and (3) any suggestions for locations around Portland that are convenient to the city, but in a more quiet and perhaps scenic location?
We enjoy the things that the cities have to offer, but I work in the city and would prefer to sleep somewhere a little less chaotic. Also, I would probably use wherever we stay as a jumping off point for Cannon Beach, Mt St Helens or possibly both, depending on how many days we have after leaving the coast.
Aug 14th, 2015, 10:36 AM
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Looks good. Three nights in Newport might be a bit much, but you can do trips up and down from there.
I personally am not a big fan of Ashland. Nothing wrong with it, but IMO it is a place easily skipped.
As for Portland, here are a few suggestions. In the NW area, which is still very popular and chuck full of shops and restaurants, the Inn at Northrup Station might work for you. It is a block or so past where the bulk of people are, and parking is free. Great location, IMO. Another option would be The Kennedy School. It is about 10 minutes from downtown, and is a McMenamin property. The McMenamin brothers have taken old buildings around OR and WA and turned them into unique hotels. Google them and see if it is something you are up for. They do not have tv's or phones in the rooms, and while they do have a handful of ensuite rooms, the majority of the rooms are with a shared bath down the hall. I know a lot of people will immediately say no way to that, but trust me, we have stayed at almost every location and never had an issue with it. We have never had to wait, and always spotlessly clean. We joke that someone is watching and when someone leaves, someone goes in to clean
The Kennedy School is a very relaxing place to stay, IME.
I personally am not a big fan of Ashland. Nothing wrong with it, but IMO it is a place easily skipped.
As for Portland, here are a few suggestions. In the NW area, which is still very popular and chuck full of shops and restaurants, the Inn at Northrup Station might work for you. It is a block or so past where the bulk of people are, and parking is free. Great location, IMO. Another option would be The Kennedy School. It is about 10 minutes from downtown, and is a McMenamin property. The McMenamin brothers have taken old buildings around OR and WA and turned them into unique hotels. Google them and see if it is something you are up for. They do not have tv's or phones in the rooms, and while they do have a handful of ensuite rooms, the majority of the rooms are with a shared bath down the hall. I know a lot of people will immediately say no way to that, but trust me, we have stayed at almost every location and never had an issue with it. We have never had to wait, and always spotlessly clean. We joke that someone is watching and when someone leaves, someone goes in to clean
The Kennedy School is a very relaxing place to stay, IME.
Aug 14th, 2015, 11:42 AM
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I've never had trouble with noise at the Benson Hotel and that's right in the middle of downtown. I think it really depends where you stay. I like the McMenamins usually, but in my experience they aren't necessarily quiet. Fun and clean, though. I'm not sure what you mean by a hotel further out- but it's generally never a problem to get out of downtown Portland for the Coast or Gorge. I've stayed by Lloyd Center and the airport as well as in Vancouver- now I usually stay downtown because it really is the most convenient location to enjoy the city. Inn at Northrup Station would be nice location wise, though, and free parking would be a major plus. I don't know that I'd describe it as scenic, though.
I suppose you could stay somewhere like Skamania Lodge (hour from downtown)...but the commute would drive me crazy and it would take away from what I consider a major plus for Portland- the ability to walk everywhere. Maybe look into one of the hotels along the river? I don't consider the river walk area that scenic but I know some people do
Ashland has the Shakespeare festival and really cute shops. Good food, too. Bend is very similar, but I liked Ashland more, probably because it smaller and more charming. But if the high desert museum is a big draw and you're not theater fans, I'd go with Bend instead.
I suppose you could stay somewhere like Skamania Lodge (hour from downtown)...but the commute would drive me crazy and it would take away from what I consider a major plus for Portland- the ability to walk everywhere. Maybe look into one of the hotels along the river? I don't consider the river walk area that scenic but I know some people do
Ashland has the Shakespeare festival and really cute shops. Good food, too. Bend is very similar, but I liked Ashland more, probably because it smaller and more charming. But if the high desert museum is a big draw and you're not theater fans, I'd go with Bend instead.
Aug 14th, 2015, 11:55 AM
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marvelousmouse--I don't think downtown Portland is very noisy. Even with living in the area, we stay in downtown for special events etc and have never had an issue with noise. The Monaco is our go to hotel here. You are right about the McMenamins, but the Kennedy School is not one of the more wild locations. It is pretty tame and quiet, IME. I am not a fan of Lloyd Center (crime and gangs). You are right, Skamania would be a nightmare for the commute! The Riverplace is a popular hotel along the water in downtown, but there is a parking charge. If you book through the Travel Portland website, they have specials that include breakfast and parking, but we have often found that calling the hotel and asking for them to match that offer works well, and no third party booking required.
